News

The how-to-guide for regional expansion: Opportunities for climate action in the GTHA

2/2018 - After a year of research to guide TAF's regional expansion efforts, we present the "Greenhouse Gas Reduction – Action and Opportunity in the GTHA" report. With this guide, we're excited to continue advancing climate action in the region.

Overheating no more: How smart thermostats improve the lives of over 1,300 residents

2/2018 - TAF's TowerWise project provides multiple benefits through energy retrofits such as jobs, health, and comfort. Smart thermostats give residents control over their comfort in a way that also maximizes the performance of these existing buildings - a win-win solution for building residents, carbon emissions, and energy savings.

Despite setbacks in the U.S., global green investments soar in 2017

2/2018 - While the U.S. federal government stepped back on climate change leadership, the rest of the world held steadfast on the shift towards a low-carbon economy. Clean technologies such as electric vehicles and renewable energy are competing well, outperforming most other sectors. Nothing trumps good economics - and the future looks bright for green investments.

ZeroHouse: A made-in-Toronto net zero housing solution

1/2018 - How can we reduce emissions from new residential buildings while addressing the housing shortage in the GTHA, especially the gap between high-rises and detached homes? The ZeroHouse, co-developed by Ryerson University students and the Endeavour Centre, shows how to address both issues.

TransformTO: Full funding is critical for climate action

1/2018 - When it comes to meeting Toronto’s climate targets, words are not enough. We need to invest to achieve our goals, starting now. That’s why the Council decision on the TransformTO 2018 operating budget is so important. Read TAF's letter to the City's Budget Committee.

Picture2050: Today’s photos can show us our future city

1/2018 - To create something, you must first be able to picture it. Such visions often sprout from a seed that already exists; something you would like to see grow and expand to reach its potential. This is very much the idea behind the current #Picture2050 photo contest that's inspired by the TransformTO climate plan for Toronto.

Best bang for our climate bucks: Looking beyond cost per tonne

1/2018 - Would anyone ditch all fruits and vegetables and switch to a carbs-only diet because it's the cheapest? Obviously not. Likewise, governments shouldn't solely focus on cost per tonne of emissions reduced when it comes to investing public dollars in climate action. A nuanced approach is what we need.

Money on the table: Why investors miss out on the energy efficiency market

12/2017 - Energy efficiency retrofits in Canada represent a multi-billion dollar market opportunity, yet investment levels remain low. TAF's latest report identifies three market failures that hamper investment and maps out how to overcome them based on international best practices.

After the Big Move: Metrolinx maps the future of regional transportation

12/2017 - The GTHA keeps growing, so how will regional transportation keep up? A new draft plan by Metrolinx sets out a path to 2041. TAF and Pembina Institute took a closer look at what works and what's missing in the 20-plus year planning document that will shape how we get around the region.

TowerWise: TAF launches new phase of energy retrofit program

12/2017 - We spend the vast majority of our time indoors, but we rarely make the connection between our activities and the fact that buildings are a major source of carbon emissions. We need to significantly improve the way existing buildings perform – and we need to do it quickly. TAF is doing just that with the next phase of its TowerWise retrofit program.

Next phase of TowerWise program set to show path to deep building energy efficiency

12/2017 - TAF is launching the next phase of its TowerWise retrofit program. It will include four demonstration sites with different building types, demographics, and ownership structures in Toronto and Hamilton, representing the broader multi-residential sector – including social housing.

Energy efficiency 101: Why do an energy retrofit?

12/2017 - Operating a building is costly – with energy costs usually being the largest variable expense building operators can influence. An energy efficiency retrofit is the best way to reduce these costs. But there are more benefits, our VP of Impact Investing Tim Stoate explains.